Arj Aguirre

Philippines’ Marcos ‘the main casualty’ of political issues as ratings fall A new survey shows Duterte-Carpio likely regaining momentum as Marcos grapples with waning confidence in his leadership.

I said in this interview that “the numbers seem to show that Marcos is the main casualty of this year’s political issues”. This decline can be attributed to the “mobilization of political resources from the Duterte camp” and numerous missteps. amp.scmp.com/week-asia/pe...

YouTube video by DZMM Teleradyo Personalities involved may delay corruption probe for public to forget: analyst | (07 November 2025)

In my DZMM interview, I discussed what to expect in the coming months regarding the ongoing flood control crisis, and why it’s crucial for citizens to continue mobilizing to hold officials accountable and push for genuine government reforms. www.youtube.com/watch?v=duGi...

Philippine military fires back as Duterte’s son takes potshot at US ties Paolo Duterte’s claims of the military ‘showing off for America’ are aimed at undermining the current administration, analysts say.

I said in this interview that the statement “is an obvious coordinated move from the Dutertes … especially now that the US still enjoys a high trust rating among Filipinos.”

amp.scmp.com/week-asia/po...

Super Typhoon Ragasa’s fury adds to Philippine President Marcos’ flood of woes The president is already facing a torrent of public scrutiny in the wake of corruption-linked flood control projects.

I said in this interview that “it is logical to assume that -[PH govt] will use the same approach in dealing with the typhoon – thinking of government responses that are meant to project that Marcos is also in control of the disaster response work”.

www.scmp.com/week-asia/he...

‘Truly shameful’: mass protests in Philippines as fury mounts over corruption Filipinos condemned the corruption in sham projects as an estimated US$2 billion in funds went down the drain.

I said in the interview that this would be the “beginning of something big” & urged groups to put up a united front to make the govt agree to their demands—“investigating all involved, prosecuting them & pushing for the passage of reform bills on FOI & anti-dynasty”. amp.scmp.com/week-asia/po...

In this interview, I emphasized that "since the replacement is an ally, it is safe to assume that this move is just to preempt Romualdez's ouster." “This may be just a 'proxy leadership'." www.esquiremag.ph/politics/new... #Esquiremag.ph via @EsquirePH

Speaker Romualdez quits amid flood control scandal  - BusinessWorld Online Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez resigned on Wednesday amid mounting criticism of his alleged role in the Philippines’ multibillion-peso flood control scandal, triggering a leadership shakeup in ...

In this interview, I said that 'resignation' (and just hand over the Speakership to an ally) might be better for them than being ousted by a real rival (from the Duterte bloc). A mere preemptive move because of the flood control mess.

www.bworldonline.com/breaking-new...

Marcos vows independent probe into flood-control irregularities - BusinessWorld Online PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday said his newly created commission investigating irregularities in the multibillion-peso flood-control projects would operate independently and f...

I said in this interview, that Pres. Marcos' "independent commission for infrastructure" is not that independent at all & has 'capability deficiency'. Thus, it may be used to protect personalities & allies. My apologies for being pessimistic about this :(

www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/...

Marcos’ anti-graft push to test political alliances - BusinessWorld Online PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s campaign targeting corruption in flood control projects could boost his credibility with voters and investors but risks straining political alliances, a...

In this interview, I said that Marcos’ anti-corruption drive “unfortunately is being done haphazardly or carelessly.” “The issue seems to have backfired on them since even their [House allies] are now being implicated by those flood control contractors.”

www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/...

Philippine contractors allege political bribery in flood control scandal The Discayas have offered to turn state witnesses but legal experts say their alleged role in the scandal could undermine their credibility.

In this interview, I said that Discaya’s silence about the involvement of people other than the elected officials can be construed as “a clear political manoeuvre that may lead to a distorted view of the real score… story behind the flood control mess.”

amp.scmp.com/week-asia/pe...

In this interview, I said that “Senate President Sotto will be tested for his stands and political disposition at the start of the 20th Congress, where he was just competing for the Senate President position with then-Senate President Escudero.”

www.esquiremag.ph/politics/new...

85% of Filipinos distrust China amid sea tensions: poll High level of distrust reflects ‘an existential threat to the Philippines’ future’ and could fuel changes to public policy, analysts say.

In this interview, I said the the Marcoses had struggled to 'connect China w/ the Dutertes' & capitalize on anti-China sentiment against the Dutertes. By contrast, the Dutertes seem to know what to do & "has limited its messaging & engagement, keeping VP [Sara] from making statements about China".

Philippine president fumes over flood corruption, ‘economic sabotage’ Despite billions being spent on flood control in recent years, Manila was still submerged this summer after four days of torrential rain.

I said here that “it would be prudent to know from the record of the budget deliberations who fought for [this or] that project. That’s a good indicator of a possible link between these questionable contractors & their lawmaker patrons who are into this new pork barrel.”
amp.scmp.com/week-asia/ec...

In this interview, I said that the link between the Commission on Audit & the flood control contractor connected to the Lipana couple is a red flag, since it raises serious concerns about their ability to separate family interests from their official work.

www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/...

I said in this interview that Ang's offer "goes against conventional thinking about private entities...dealing with public entities like the government—this always involves being mindful of the payoffs or benefits, gains for their business or interest." www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/...

I said in this interview that the impeachment is all about accountability not just ‘politics.’ www.abs-cbn.com/news/2025/8/...

YouTube video by DZMM Teleradyo Senators use VP Duterte impeachment case to gain supporters ahead of 2028 polls: expert

I was interviewed about the impeachment where I said that it involves an important issue of holding VP Sara accountable and it is logical to think also that as politicians, they are inclined to politicize it as they prepare for the next electoral cycle. www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF1u...

Analysts: Marcos should pursue FOI reforms to cement government transparency - BusinessWorld Online PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. should enact the long-awaited Freedom of Information (FOI) bill to stay true to his government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and as he seeks to ce...

I said in this interview that Marcos govt should be serious with its anti-corruption drive. This is why I am not impressed with his State of the Nation Address--it does not have substance & clear direction. Passing an FOI law is a major step. www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2...

YouTube video by DZMM Teleradyo Marcos’ SONA 2025 aims to boost approval rating: political analyst | Balitapatan (29 July 2025)

I was interviewed this morning (PH time) on DZMM Radyo Patrol about Pres. Marcos' State of the Nation Address where I said that I am not impressed with his speech for sounding like it is merely intending to improve his approval ratings. Here is the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgTR...

Marcos faces rising discontent as he delivers 4th SONA - BusinessWorld Online THREE YEARS into his presidency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. faces mounting public frustration as Filipinos say many of the promises he made during his 2022 campaign remain unfulfilled.

I said in this interview that "Marcos admin wants to be recognized for having fixed the economy after the storm that is the coronavirus pandemic” & “expect Duterte allies in the Senate, and even potential Duterte allies in the House to become obstructionists.”
www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/...

[OPINION] Waiting for the real Philippine opposition Liberal and progressive groups are experiencing a rare moment of return. They must realize Filipinos still hold their votes close to their chests, weighing who the 'real' opposition is.

This is my first Rappler opinion piece and I am happy to have co-written it with ⁦‪⁦‪Patrick Peralta. Here we talked about what it means to be the opposition in the Philippines and why we should be careful with those who are pretending to be one.

www.rappler.com/voices/thoug...

Marcos on final stretch of reform push, may woo voters to back successor - BusinessWorld Online PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is expected to shift his focus to grassroots reforms to improve the lot of Filipinos, as he seeks to cement his legacy in the second half of his six-year term, polit...

I said in this interview that the Marcos govt "will pursue new measures that will have a tremendous impact on the people. This is oriented towards shaping what could be President Marcos’s legacy when he steps down in 2028."

www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2...

Chiz Escudero and his dilly-dallying over impeachment (1st UPDATE) Having served as Senate President for only a year, Chiz Escudero seems eager to retain the position — undoubtedly hoping his leadership won’t be defined by a contentious impeachment trial...

I said in this interview that Sen. Chiz is so political “by being calculative with his moves... I am sure he will be criticized all throughout the process and be accused of doing things for his personal ambition — gaining power.” www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in...

It’s a trap! I said in this interview that "this motion to remand, might be construed by those who intend to undermine the impeachment process as an abuse of [Senate's] discretion."

www.esquiremag.ph/politics/new...

I monitored the response of other stakeholders (especially the big employers): they articulated their concern for the 'small businesses' and insisted that the regional wage board still works. My question is: if they are functioning, how come the wage earners always suffer?

I said in this interview that this move will cause further delay and could be used to undermine the legitimacy of the impeachment process.

www.esquiremag.ph/politics/new...

YouTube video by One PH Cabinet 'revamp' aims to control public opinion, dominate discussions: professor | News and Views

I was interviewed this morning on One News about the prolonged Cabinet 'revamp' and claimed that the Marcos gov't seems to be using this to control public opinion, among other things. youtu.be/tKXlwHGe-vw?... via
@YouTube

‘Dynasty Slayers’ Gained Ground in Philippine Midterms As expected, the country’s established political clans performed well in the May 12 election – but they didn’t have everything their way.

⁦‪Interesting take on ‘dynasty slayers’ this 2025 PH midterm elections by ⁦‪Patrick Peralta.

thediplomat.com/2025/06/dyna...

YouTube video by One PH Aguirre: VP Sara Duterte knows how to handle political conflicts | News and Views

I was interviewed this morning on One News about the recent Pulse Asia trust rating survey and have claimed that VP Sara knew what to do by using her father’s popularity to save her tarnished image.

youtube.com/watch?v=iUHJ...

YouTube video by Teleradyo Serbisyo Cabinet reshuffle seen as Marcos loyalty test: expert | Balitapatan (26 May 2025)

I was interviewed on Teleradyo Serbisyo this morning to mention that the 'cabinet reshuffle' is multifaceted political move. I also mentioned here that it may be seen as 'loyalty check' among other things (like immediate response to the political feud and for his legacy).

youtu.be/gmv32n7CFf8